Rainbow Bridge Poem For Cats

Rainbow Bridge Poems For Other Animals

Dogs and cats are by no means the only pets that get to cross the rainbow bridge. These poems remind us its something all pets can share in.

26. “The Rainbow Bridge” by Paul C. Dahm or Anonymous

We get the modern idea of a rainbow bridge from one particular poem most people simply refer to as The Rainbow Bridge.

That poem naturally deserves a spot on this list, and despite the name of this section, it can actually apply to any beloved pet, including cats and dogs. Although many sources claim we dont know the identity of the author, others claim a grief counselor named Paul C. Dahm originally wrote it.

27. Rainbow Bridge: Sequel to the Original by Jean McColgan

We might not know for certain who wrote the original rainbow bridge poem.

However, we do know this sequel to the original comes from Jean McColgan, who emphasizes the idea that we can reunite with our lost pets one day.

28. A Bridge Called Love by Anonymous

This poem offers comfort by expanding on the idea of the rainbow bridge.

It describes how the bridge of love we feel for our lost companions can help us remain connected with them even when were still alive and theyve passed on. The poem explains how the love between a pet and an owner is so great that not even death can truly separate them.

29. In the Candles Glow by Laura Hickman

Anyone who ever needs reassurance as they get over the loss of a pet should turn to this poem in times of pain.

30. “Beyond the Rainbow” by Cate Guyan

How Did The Term Rainbow Bridge Become So Popular

Steve Bodofsky believed the original poem by Paul C. Dahm was great, but needed a bit of coaxing to bring out the meter and rhyme.

Together with his wife they created their own rhyming version of the Rainbow Bridge poem which they shared with friends shown below:

Another popular Rainbow Bridge poem that helped popularize the concept worldwide came later from Steve and Diane Bodofsky, a couple that operated a ferret rescue.

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,

Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

Where the friends of man and woman do run,

When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,

Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

On this golden land, they wait and they play,

Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,

For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,

Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,

Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,

Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met

Together again, both person and pet.

So they run to each other, these friends from long past,

The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,

Has turned into joy once more in each heart.

What Is The Rainbow Bridge And Why Does It Matter

If you’ve ever loved an animal, you know that a pet is so much more than a pet.

The luckiest of us have befriended and built lifelong bonds with a cat, a dog, or another animal. These loyal and dependable companions can quickly become family members. We see ourselves reflected in their eyes. And even the most stubborn and rambunctious of the bunch can open our hearts and change our lives. They offer unspeakable joy and unparalleled love.

For many, pets are also an everyday presence that can affect happiness and anchor daily routines. So when they’re gone, the void that remains in their absence is painful and vast.

Losing a pet can be devastating, but many pet parents have found comfort in the Rainbow Bridge during a time of unspeakable grief and loss.

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Rainbow Bridge Poem For Dogs

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Loss Of Interest/social Withdrawal

As the end of a cats life draws near, they often withdraw from their owners and fellow animal companions. Some cats will seek out an isolated hiding place in order to avoid contact. They may also stop greeting you at the door, begging for food, or gazing out the window, completely losing interest in what is happening around them.

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Where Did The Rainbow Bridge Idea Come From

The concept for the pet Rainbow Bridge may have been based on the Bifröst bridge of Norse Mythology.

The Bifrost bridge was said to be a burning rainbow bridge that reaches between Midgard and Asgard, the realm of the gods.

The first reference to a meadow in which pets await their owners can be found in the book Beautiful Joes Paradise by Margaret Marshall Saunders.

Beautiful Joes Paradise is a sequel to the book Beautiful Joe, which was one of the first that helped raise awareness toward animal cruelty and told the story Beautiful Joe, a dog from the town of Meaford, Ontario

In Beautiful Joes Paradise, pets await their owners in a grassland and help one another heal from cruelty they endured during their lives. However, the book makes no mention of a Rainbow Bridge and the pets eventually ascend into heaven by balloon.

The Relationship Between Humans And Animals

It starts so sweetly and unassumingly. You bring your pup home. Whether its a newborn pup or an older rescue, it doesnt take long for you to get used to your pet in your home: digging through your laundry, sleeping on your shoes, and licking your eyelids to wake you for a walk.

And before you know it, your pups a part of your life. Loves you, needs you and you need your pet more than you thought you would. Its strange because they cant speak but they understand every word you say .

So, when the day arrives, and it is inevitable, how do you cope with the loss of a pet?

Of course, some people assume pet grief hurts less than human grief, but they couldnt be more mistaken.

The human-animal bond is powerful if for no other reason than that you can truly love one another unconditionally.

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Rainbow Bridge And Memorials

The reason the term because so popular is because most pet owners view their pet as more than just a cat or a dog.

The thought of reuniting with that specific animal companion is a heartwarming feeling in a very painful, emotional time.

In addition to printed versions of the poem in sympathy cards, there are now several Rainbow Bridge memorials one can buy to honor their pet or to give to someone who is grief-stricken.

In fact, Humane Goods is proud to have made our own memorial, the Rainbow Bridge Memorial Chimes.

These chimes are multi-colored and made of high-quality material for a beautiful sound. Each chime has a special remembrance seal at the bottom which catches the wind for the chime.

You can get more information about them here:

My Dog And Me Writing The Story Of Us

Another way to remember your dog, is to write your story down on paper, in your own words.What better way to express your love, than in words of thankfulness and gratitude.

If your dog is healthy and well, now would be the time to write your story. If your pet has left you, write a tribute to remember and celebrate the life of the animal who loved you.

My Dog & Me : Write My Storykeepsake book, is a lovely, personalized uniquely guided writing journal, a perfect book to record the story of you and your pet. It would also make a beautiful caring gift for somebody you know who is going through pet loss and bereavement.

This little book has helpful story writing hints and guided prompts take from the poem You know Me, by Sandy Sane. There are Two versions for you to choose from.

There is a cycle of love and death that shapes the lives of those who choose to travel in the company of animals. It is a cycle unlike any other.

To those who have never lived through its turnings or walked its rocky path, our willingness to give our hearts with full knowledge that they will be broken seems incomprehensible.

Only we know how small a price we pay for what we receive our grief, no matter how powerful it may be, is an insufficient measure of the joy we have been given, and the wonderful memories we are left with, last forever-Suzanne Clothier

or, continue and write your love story to your pet.

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Signs Your Cat May Be Ready To Cross The Rainbow Bridge

As difficult as it is to say goodbye, no one wants to see their beloved companion suffer.

Having one or two of the following signs does not necessarily indicate your cats time is approaching, but you should consider speaking with your vet about a peaceful end of life plan if multiple symptoms are present.

Who Wrote The Original Rainbow Bridge Poem

The first appearance of the Rainbow Bridge in relation to animals is believed to come from a poem by Paul C. Dahm, a grief counselor in Oregon. He wrote the first Rainbow Bridge poem in prose style as seen below:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

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Who Wrote The Rainbow Bridge Poem

Good question. According to The Post, at least three men claim to have written a version of the poem. Sometimes, the poems are simply attributed to “unknown.” There are several versions of the poem available. We show one of the compositions below.

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth.

It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of all its beautiful colors.

Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows,

hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place.

There is always food and water and warm spring weather.

The old and frail animals are young again.

Those who were sick, hurt or in pain are made whole again.

There is only one thing missing,

they are not with their special person who loved them so much on earth.

So each day they run and play until the day comes

when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!

The nose twitches! The ears are up!

The eyes are staring and this one runs from the group!

You have been seen and when you and your special friend meet,

you take him in your arms and hug him.

He licks and kisses your face again and again

and you look once more into the eyes of your best friend and trustingpet.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together never again to be apart.

Original Rainbow Bridge Poem Printable Version For Free

The original Rainbow Bridge poem is a beautiful prose-style poem intended to help comfort those who have lost a pet that was dear to them. It was said to have been written by Paul C. Dahm, a grief counselor.

The poem tells the story of an other-worldly grassy meadow and prismatic bridge pets visit after their time on earth is done.

According to the original poem, after death, the pet finds itself in a sunny meadow with its health fully restored. There is unlimited water, food, and play time. There, the pet waits for its owner to pass in which they will rendezvous and cross the prismatic Rainbow Bridge together into heaven.

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Leave A Tribute To Your Cat

Do you have a cat who has gone to the rainbow bridge?Send in a photo for this tribute page.

Rainbow Bridge Poems For Birds

Birds are among the most inspirational animals in the world. When a pet bird dies, someone can find comfort in such poems as:

11. The Rainbow Bridge by Anonymous

Later, this blog will cover the original The Rainbow Bridge poem, whose author may be anonymous. This poem is a modification of the original.

While the original seems to describe a dog or cat crossing over to a happy place on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge, this poem alters some of the wording to make it clear its referencing birds. You can easily find it by Googling Rainbow Bridge poem birds. You might even want to make your own modifications to make the poem more directly apply to your lost pet.

12. Dont Cry for Me When Im Gone by Unknown

Like many Rainbow Bridge poems, this one doesnt reference the Rainbow Bridge in specific terms, but it does offer a similar message of hope and support. Although this is a general pet loss poem that doesnt focus on one specific animal, its mention of a sparrow with a broken wing reminding someone of a lost pet makes it an ideal choice after a birds death.

13. A Time to Remember by John Quealy

Because this poem describes a lost pet as flying home on the wings of a dove into Gods loving arms, it might offer comfort to someone with deep religious faith mourning the loss of a pet bird. Like many poems of this nature, it can also be comforting after the loss of virtually any type of pet.

14. To a Skylark by Percy Shelley

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